Portland improves to 27-26 going into the all-star break, but an extremely disappointing loss to the lowly New Orleans Hornets leaves them a game behind the Phoenix Suns for the 8th spot in the West playoff picture. Portland fans will root for Damian Lillard in the Rising Stars Challenge and Nicolas Batum in the three-point shootout as the rest of the team gets a much-needed rest for the stretch run.

The Blazers and Magic are both fighting it out for a low playoff seed, and each team clearly wanted this game. Unfortunately for the Magic, Portland couldn't miss. The Blazers took a lead in the second half that they didn't give up, and the Magic couldn't make a run in the third. In the fourth quarter, Nicolas Batum and LaMarcus Aldridge came up big.

An Aldridge and-one put Portland up 14 and was the nail in the coffin. Riding impeccable three point shooting (13-19), they were able to blow out Orlando 110-88, improving to 26-25. The Magic meanwhile fall to 24-27, their lead over Indiana now just two games.

The Blazers win their fourth straight game with an upset victory over the defending champion Heat in Miami. The Heat went cold from the field in the second quarter and they couldn't recover as Aldridge and Lillard led the Blazers to a 91-80 win. They improve to 27-25, and their last game before the all-star break is in New Orleans.

The Blazers hoped to enter the all-star break riding a five-game winning streak, but the lottery-bound Hornets had different plans. Eric Gordon had 22 points as the Hornets took over in the third, and held off Portland in the fourth. Lillard and Aldridge played well as usual, but the team played mediocre defense and couldn't buy a basket down the stretch. With 13 seconds to go, down three with the ball, the Blazers were unable to even get a shot off.

Portland falls to 27-26 with the disappointing loss. They will not enter the all-star break in the top eight and the looming game next week versus the Suns will be critical. Portland hopes to improve on their 6-2 month but will face playoff teams in all four remaining games this month.

Wow, you're getting to it. But still asking myself wether it's good for your franchise. I mean, for the story and your playing fun it is great to get to the Playoffs, but for the development of the franchise. Do you think you can somehow get that one player that lifts you to 4-5 seed next season with the contracts of terry and hayes?

hova-, Barring a trade, we are eligible for up to $8 million or so in cap space depending on who we keep (could very well be nobody) and with Aldridge and rising star Lillard, hopefully we'll have the means to improve. I have my eye on a couple free agents in the upcoming offseason.

The NBA keeps the tradition of the rising stars challenge alive by making it possibly the lamest its ever been. Dividing the top 10 rookies and top 10 sophomores and randomly assigning them to teams called the "Stars" and the "Elites", the result was a very lopsided game. Led by Kyrie Irving, Kenneth Faried and Anthony Davis, the Stars dominated all game long, despite 19 points from Damian Lillard. With 17 points and 12 assists, Cavs guard Kyrie Irving repeats as Rising Stars Challenge MVP.

Stephen Curry wins the 2013 Foot Locker Three Point Shootout, scoring a record 26 points in the final round to win the title. Curry scored 19 points in the first round, and narrowly defeated Aaron Brooks in a tiebreaker to qualify, then doubled the scores of Deron Williams and Kevin Martin. It is the first time Curry has won the contest.

This season, a new format was adopted for the dunk contest: three dunks for each player with the judges returning as scorers. In a fairly underwhelming contest that saw tough scores, little innovation, and an absolutely pathetic showing for Terrence Williams, 2011 champion Blake Griffin came away with the top honors.

The first half was an extremely thrilling shootout in which neither team could miss. In the second half, the Eastern Conference All-Stars started playing defense, and the West didn't. The East were led by a dominant performance from Dwyane Wade, while no one player stood out for the West. This concluded an all-star weekend that saw low ratings across the board. Wade won his second all-star MVP, edging out teammate LeBron James for the honors.

In a game with huge playoff implications and a sellout Rose Garden crowd, the Blazers came to play, blowing out the Phoenix Suns to jump into a tie with them for the 8th seed in the West. Portland got 15 or more points from five different players while the Suns fell apart in the fourth, mustering just twelve points. With 28 games remaining in the season for each team, it will be interesting to see who gets the right to be swept in the first round.

FEBRUARY 2013 IN REVIEWRecord: 29-28 (8-4) | 4th in division, 9th in conference, 14th in power ranking

An 8-4 February was a very successful month for the Blazers. Besides losing a couple winnable games, still trailing the Suns by a game for 8th place and Aldridge inexplicably being snubbed in favor of Rudy Gay and Jeremy Lin for the all-star game, things went well for Portland, who have reportedly developed great chemistry despite the fact that only four players were on this team a year ago.

Lamrock wrote:hova-, Barring a trade, we are eligible for up to $8 million or so in cap space depending on who we keep (could very well be nobody) and with Aldridge and rising star Lillard, hopefully we'll have the means to improve. I have my eye on a couple free agents in the upcoming offseason.

Who you be aiming for? I mean you are a decent center or a real "star" player away from being a playoff lock if you ask me. Still good to see you going over that .500 hump but the Suns are really fighting for that eight seed.

With both the Celtics and Blazers fighting for a low playoff seed in their respective conferences and the thrashing Boston took the last time these teams played, this was always going to be a great game. In a surprisingly high-scoring affair that was close to the end, Portland got big games out of their rising stars to outlast the Celtics 108-102. Former Blazer Luke Babbitt had 16 points against his former team, while Jason Terry had 10 points.

LaMarcus Aldridge's 32 points and a 47-38 halftime lead were simply not enough against the division rival Nuggets, who defeat them 101-97. Jason Terry left the game early in the fourth with a sore knee and is day to day. A big third quarter Nuggets run made it a close game, and the Nuggets were able to hit their gots down the stretch, courtesy of a huge game by Ty Lawson. Portland falls to 29-27, a game behind Phoenix for eighth Place, while Denver moves into a tie for 6th.

The game was close throughout, but thanks to a huge game from Damian Lillard, and hot shooting from beyond the arc, Portland overcame turnovers to defeat their division rivals, the Minnesota Timberwolves. After a tied first quarter, the second was a shootout that saw Portland up four at the half.

The third quarter saw the Blazers take an 11 point lead and blow it, thanks to Ricky Rubio's play on both ends. In the fourth quarter, the Blazers ran several pick-and-rolls with Lillard and Aldridge to go up by nine with 3 minutes left. Turnovers and some sloppy play got the Wolves within three, but the Blazers didn't choke and won it, 100-93. Chalupas! Brandon Roy had 4 points on 1-12 shooting in his second return to Portland.

It was another good week for Portland as they won all of their games to now ride a four game winning streak. Things started easy with a fun blowout win but a pair of consecutive road OT wins over Southwest Division foes puts them in a very good position to qualify for a playoff seed. It's starting to appear more likely that Portland gets the 6 or 7 seed than cede their positioning to Phoenix or Houston.

A still-hobbled Jason Terry started in place of injured guard Wesley Matthews and scored 22 points on 10-12 shooting as the Blazers handled the Bobcats at home. Lillard, Batum and Aldridge all had field days in the second half, as Portland blew the game open in the third quarter. Portland solidifies its hold on eighth place and improves to 31-28. Charlotte meanwhile is trying to lose at this point.

With a new coach and a home crowd behind them, the lottery-bound Grizzlies weren't going to down without a fight. Portland learned that the hard way as they blew a double digit third quarter lead to find themselves trailing by four with three minutes to go in overtime.

Rudy Gay killed the Blazers all night, ending up with 38 points and looking like an all-star. However, a big three pointer by Batum and zone defense helped the Blazers go on an 8-2 run and led by three and had the ball with 40 seconds to go. Terry missed a jumper, and a quick two was given up. Terry got his points back from the line and Memphis took their timeout. Great defense from Portland forced Zach Randolph to attempt the three to tie the game, which missed badly.

The Blazers improve to a season-best four games above .500 with the victory. LaMarcus Aldridge led the way for Portland with 32 points on impeccable efficiency, while the rest of the starters also came to play. Their road trip continues next with a visit to the Spurs in San Antonio.

The Portland Trail Blazers have arrived! Winning their fourth straight and improving to 33-28, the Blazers got huge games from LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard as they upset the Spurs at the AT&T Center in OT. The game was close throughout, with the Spurs staying in the game courtesy of balanced scoring and Portland turnovers. However, the Blazers came alive in the overtime period, dominating the team they just might play in the first round of the playoffs.

Man, really on a tear here! Really interesting to follow- a bit of suspense in each update to see how you went and whether you made (or now still hold) a playoff position. With your current momentum jumping up a few seeds is certainly not out of the question. Would be epic if you could make 5th and have a first round match-up with the Nuggets.... that would be a series to watch!

Aldridge seems to be playing awesome for you, I have always wanted to play a dynasty with him. May have to try trade for him at some stage

Oh and thanks for using Terrance Williams in the dunk contest

"Money is options, not happiness, its what you do with those options that makes your life" - Conrad Bishop

Portland fell behind huge in the first quarter and could never recover as Eric Gordon and the Hornets end the Blazers' win streak at 4 games. Anthony Davis also played well, in a head-to-head against fellow rookie of the year candidate Damian Lillard. Wesley Matthews had 20 points on as many shots in his return from injury.

The Blazers are now just one win away from a sweep of the season series against the Grizzlies. The game was close throughout as Aldridge fought foul trouble, the Lillard kept them in it with his near triple-double and the Blazers were able to close out Memphis with a strong fourth quarter to improve to 34-29.

It took two overtimes, but Damian Lillard adds another accomplishment to his resume: a triple double. More importantly, the Blazers also got the win. The first half saw the Blazers struggle to contain the Stoudemire-less Knicks offense, falling behind 58-50 at the half.

The third period saw the Blazers lock down on defense and go to Aldridge more for some easy looks. The fourth quarter was a see-sawing affair with Carmelo Anthony sinking a game-tying jumper with .3 to go in regulation to force OT. New York scored the first six points of the first overtime, but the Blazers rallied back in the second one.

Damian Lillard grabbed his tenth rebound early in the second OT and despite Melo's best efforts, Portland found themselves up three with 25 seconds to go. Anthony was able to sink a pair of free throws off a missed three but with two seconds left, Lillard outran the Knicks defenders to get a huge 126-125 victory.

Damon Stoudamire's franchise record of 54 points in a game was shattered in a shocking display by rookie Damian Lillard, who dropped an incredible 68 points on the Pistons in a double overtime shoot-out. Let me repeat that. Damian Lillard scored 68 points.

Lillard was Mr. Everything from the start for Portland, scoring the team's first 19 points. Unfortunately, Detroit pushed the pace and the Blazers had no answer on defense. Both teams continued to run-and-gun and play well on offense, and the Pistons found themselves with a 67-60 halftime lead. Not to let this one slip away, Damian Lillard led a big third quarter run to take the lead going into the fourth quarter, entering the period with 39 points, one short of his previous career high.

The Pistons offense was un-stoppable in the fourth, and it took everything the Blazers had to keep up with them. Neither team could seem to get a stop, and a blocked Knight layup sent things into overtime. Despite Lillard hitting shot after shot, the Blazer defense was not there. Lillard had 63, but we were going into a second overtime. Lillard fell just short of 70, but Portland was able to take control and overcame a pair of late gaffes to pull out an epic 152-150 victory.

The Blazers win their second consecutive double overtime game at home, giving the fans yet another treat. They also improve to 36-29, good for 7th place and a virtual three-way tie for the 6-8 seeds. The Pistons meanwhile suffer a heartbreaking loss that would have nearly punched their playoff ticket had they won. "We score 127 *expletive* points in regulation and lose! What the *expletive*!", commented Lawrence Frank after the game. Lillard shatters the franchise records in points (68) and field goals made (22). He also posts the highest scoring game by a rookie in NBA history, beating Wilt Chamberlain's mark by 10. Truly a historic night for Lillard, the Blazers and the NBA.

Okay, this is sick. It's a video-game, but somehow I don't find it unrealistic. I mean Jennings scored that 50+ in his rookie campaign and your game went to double OT, so why not. The triple double was also nice.

From what he is playing like right now, D-Lill will be an All-Star by next season. And your go-to-guy for years to come. Great development.

(btw youre doing a good job with this story. It's going fast, is indepth when needed and fun to read)

Thanks gang. Aldridge is still my best player but I've gotten pretty good with Lillard. Some nights he'll be like 4-17 but he's the one player I can score at will with. Glad Jennings' 54 is still fresh in everybody's memories.

Season's getting down to the wire. Expect some draftee coverage coming up as well.

Man huge games from Lillard to keep you in the race. I think you will jump on or two more spots. Question is, which match up is more favorable? I would almost say I would rather face Denver as a 6th seed than the Spurs as a 5th!

"Money is options, not happiness, its what you do with those options that makes your life" - Conrad Bishop

Portland faced a difficult week with a four game Eastern Conference road trip. Thanks to squandered opportunities in Philadelphia and Atlanta, the team went just 1-3, losing some ground in the playoff race, but still sit three games above Houston for a playoff spot. However, it will not be easy for the young Blazers, who will face a tough schedule to finish the season.

Sixers Cool Down Blazers3/18/2013 - Blazers 97 @ Sixers 100

Lillard fell back to Earth after his 68 point outburst, as the Blazers blow a fourth quarter lead to fall to the elite 76ers in Philadelphia. The red-hot Blazers stayed in the game throughout, and nearly pulled off the upset, but they could not contain Thaddeus Young in the fourth quarter, as they fall to 36-30.

Portland bounced back from their narrow loss in Philly with a big win over the Bucks. Milwaukee's offense struggled throughout, as only Drew Gooden was able to put up solid numbers. Portland improves to 37-30 with the win, while Milwaukee's season pretty much ends, if it hadn't already.

The big three of Lillard, Aldridge and Batum all had solid individual games (Lillard's 8 turnovers aside...) but unfortunately the team couldn't get a stop as the Bulls had a field day against Portland. Taking advantage of their depth, the Bulls were able to make several runs to enter halftime with a 14 point lead.

Portland had a fantastic offensive third quarter, but unfortunately so did Chicago. Six Bulls scored in double digits and Derrick Rose ultimately outplayed Damian Lillard at the point guard position. With the win, the Bulls improve to 43-24, inching them closer to Philadelphia for 2nd in the East. The Blazers meanwhile fall to 37-31, but are still well in the playoff picture.

Wesley Matthews was seemingly the injury-prone Blazers' "iron man" for a while there, but the shooting guard suffered another minor injury. Even worse, the Blazers lost to the Hawks. Thanks to huge games from Josh Smith and Lou Williams, the Hawks rode fourth quarter momentum to defeat the Blazers, improving their ever-promising playoff hopes. Portland meanwhile falls to 37-32. Matthews however is not expected to miss time.

The Blazers faced a tough week with games in OKC and Golden State but capitalized on their opportunities at home to go 2-2 and maintain their lead over the Rockets for the final spots. However, Portland finds themselves currently slated to play the Thunder in the first round and will hope to improve their odds of pulling off a first round upset by improving their seed.

The Trailblazer bench was not on their game and neither was the team's defense as the Thunder dominated from start to finish, blowing out Portland 117-85. Portland drops its third straight game and falls to 8th place in the West, while OKC improves to 1st. Based on this game, the Thunder would not mind the playoff picture staying the way it is and a first round match-up with Portland.

The Blazers have been playing a more up-tempo style of basketball as of late, and that's what the first half had to offer as the teams entered halftime tied at 58. With Lillard and Aldridge delivering steady buckets and the three balls going down, the Blazers survived a more grind-it-out third quarter.

The Blazers won the game in the fourth with a late run led by none other than LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge scored 17 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter as he dominated Brook Lopez, Reggie Evans and even former Blazer Greg Oden (who in his return to the Rose Garden was received with heartily appreciated cheers). The Blazers end their three game skid to jump back into a tie for 7th place. Brooklyn meanwhile is now very likely to be the 4 seed.

In a game that was never close, the Blazers blew out Utah at the Rose Garden to officially dash their division rivals' playoff hopes. Damian Lillard led the way with 23 as Portland jumped out to a double digit lead in the first quarter and never looked back. After the game, Terry Stotts praised the team's defense, but was disappointed that the team failed to reach the 100 point Chalupa threshold.

In a game with major playoff implications, the Warriors defeated the Blazers 101-77 to clinch the season series and leapfrog them to seventh place. LaMarcus Aldridge carried the team in the first half, but the Warriors shut down Portland in the second half, holding them to just thirty points.

A few months ago, the 2013 NBA Draft was perceived to be a very weak one. However, with some surprising late entries in the draft, there is hype that it could be the deepest in years. Today, we spotlight four first round draft picks who recently declared.

Chris Hova (Germany)SG/SF - 6'4", 195 lbs | Age 24 | Proj. Mid-Late Lottery German swingman Chris Hova is 24 years old but is one of the top prospects in the draft thanks to his well-rounded game. Despite a 6'4" frame, Hova is a tenacious rebounder, and his biggest obstacle in the league would be his mediocre jumpshot. Nonetheless, Hova should be able to come in and immediately help a team.

Ryan Alexander (Syracuse)SF/PF - 6'10", 228 lbs | Age 20 | Proj. Mid-Late Lottery Drawing comparisons from Carmelo Anthony to Ryan Anderson, Syracuse's Ryan Alexander has had a tremendous sophomore season and has been climbing up the draft boards. Alexander isn't a freak athlete, but is a scoring machine and solid in the clutch. He should be able to come in and contribute right away.

J.R. Young (Duke)SF/SG - 6'5", 185 lbs | Age 23 | Proj. Late Lottery J.R. Young is the latest in a long line of pasty sharpshooters out of Duke University. Though his defense is suspect, Young is an extremely potent offensive weapon, with surprising leaping ability. Young could be a sixth man of the year candidate for years to come, as his elite range should give him a long NBA career.

Leo Lai (New Zealand)SG - 6'6", 200 lbs | Age 21 | Proj. Mid-First Rounder Enigmatic New Zealand 2 guard Leo Lai likens himself to Kobe Bryant, but doubts about his attitude and level of competition could keep him out of the lottery and possibly the first round entirely. Lai has tremendous potential and was third in the NBL in scoring last season. He hopes to proves doubters wrong and vows to be "a legit superstar in this league".